Going beyond reduction to simplicities and soundbites, the Scriptures tell a story of Israel's national origin that is highly complex and filled with stages. It is not slavery to beach-vacation in one neat step. The Exodus has much in common with many group-origin stories: God creates a "camp" (the slaves in Goshen, Gideon's 300, the Israelites committed to King David, the Disciples of Yeshua) ... and gives them a cause. Then, God schools them in precept and experience in the new life and journey He is offering them. And in Messiah - the life is indeed new! We become "a new creation." We feast on this one! May it be for shalom!